Orange Unit 2
Genes - All in the Family
History of Genetics

mendel.jpgGregor Mendel was a pioneer in establishing the basic pattern of genetic inheritance. After Mendel, other scientists turned investigated of what a gene is made.

1910 - Thomas Hunt Morgan showed that genes are on chromosomes.

1940s and 1950s - Experiments isolated DNA as the basic genetic material.

1951 - Rosalind Franklin obtained sharp X-ray photographs of DNA.

1953 - James D. Watson and Francis Crick discovered that DNA’s structure with a double helix.

This marked the beginning of a new era. Today, scientists have discovered the secrets of the genetic code and can manipulate genes through genetic engineering.